Representative Projects

New Central Library Studies

Guelph Public Library, City of Guelph

We have played an on-going role in assisting the Guelph Public Library and the City of Guelph in planning for a new Central Library. We prepared the Library Relocation and Needs Assessment Study, involving an extensive public consultation program, including interviews, focus groups, 800 random household surveys of users and non-users, and public meetings. In addition to undertaking a demographic analysis and an assessment of system-wide
library space and programming needs, potential sites in downtown Guelph were identified and evaluated for their suitability. Subsequently, we were retained to lead a team to undertake Site Selection and Preliminary Design Development Study. We have since assisted the Guelph Public Library Board in further exploring alternative sites.

Library Master Plan (Future Directions)

City of Mississauga

The Library Future Direction Plan (Master Plan) was initially prepared by a team led by our firm in 1999. Subsequently, we were involved in the five year updates to this Plan that were undertaken in 2004 and 2009. The studies required an analysis of library usage and trends, an understanding of community demographic profiles, the development of catchment areas and illustrative mapping, consultation with Board and staff members, and service delivery strategies.

Library Master Plan

Innisfil Public Library

A Library Master Plan was prepared for the Innisfil Public Library to ensure optimal provision of library space, materials, and services. Due to considerable population growth (current and projected), the future library service delivery system required considerable review. Unique to this project was the creation of an assessment tool that could assist the Library Board in projecting library space, collection and staff provision levels into the future. We were also retained to assess the need for a community complex that could house both a branch library and meeting/program space (for local groups, organizations, and municipal use) to serve the Cookstown area; this new facility is scheduled to open in 2009.

Main Branch Expansion Study

Brantford Public Library

Leading a team of consultants, we undertook a Study to provide direction for the future use of the Main Library's third floor, which was not previously available for public use. The vision for the third floor called for the creation of an "Information Commons" that would serve both students and the community-at-large. This concept involved the creation of an interactive working environment that provides space for digital resources and collaborative work. The completed 3rd floor expansion is now open to the public and is also used heavily by students from nearby satellite campuses.

Newcastle Branch Library Needs Assessment

Clarington Public Library

We were retained to lead a consulting team in identifying the short and long-term space needs for the community library in Newcastle Village with recommendations that provided the Library Board with a clear strategy for the location, size/design, services/service improvements, and capital/operating cost estimates of the new branch. The summer of 2009 will see the new branch open on the site recommended by our team.

Library Needs Assessment Study

Whitby Public Library

This Study consisted of a needs assessment of both library users and non-users through on-site surveys of library patrons, random sample household surveys, focus groups, and interviews. The analysis of the space needs by component for a new Central Library and an evaluation of the opportunities for combined facilities (e.g., non-library office space, art gallery, archives, commercial/retail space, restaurants) were also key tasks. The new Central Library has since opened to wonderful success.